Patient story Hailey’s disease Hailey – a rare skin disease
„I’m alive again“
Melanie* is a young, optimistic woman who suffers from a rare skin disease – Hailey Haileydisease1. Especially when she has another flare-up, she tries to see everything positively and go through life with optimism. Melanie is an open-minded person who enjoys socialising with other people. However, her illness caused her to withdraw further and further. The severe pain and open wounds have severely restricted Melanie’s movement. Fortunately, she is able to carry out her job as a management assistant from home, as she often changes her clothes to fit her bandages.
Hailey’s disease Hailey is a hereditary skin disease that often occurs in the armpit, genital, neck and chest areas. It causes purulent and highly inflammatory blisters. Only around 200 cases of this disease are known in Germany, which is why Melanie’s diagnosis was made late. Hailey-Hailey disease cannot be treated causally. For this reason, treatment is primarily aimed at minimising the symptoms and complaints. It is possible to limit the symptoms with the help of creams and antibiotics. Nevertheless, treatment is difficult. Melanie’s wounds often did not heal for 12 weeks or longer, and a new flare-up was triggered after just three to five days of rest.
Melanie has also tried various therapies, tablets, countless ointments and even two painful dermabrasion treatments, but so far nothing has led to any real improvement. „I don’t think there’s an ointment or cream that I haven’t been prescribed yet: Antibiotics, cortisone, light therapy, vitamin D, calcium supplementation, magnesium treatment, ‚dragon’s blood‘, CBD oil, colloidal silver, salt spa, silver underwear, Octenisan treatment, intestinal rehabilitation, preventative insoles to avoid friction and sweating, alternative practitioners, etc.,“ he says. To be honest, I can’t think of anything else and it’s all at my own expense,“ says Melanie.
In her search for new options, Melanie came across a study with cold plasma – two years ago. She contacted several clinics and doctors in the hope that someone would offer cold plasma therapy. However, many clinics and practices were unaware of this innovative therapy or did not offer it. After a long search, she found PlasmaDerm therapy via many detours.
In August 2021, Melanie started PlasmaDerm treatment in her own home. Only small improvements were visible at the beginning. After consulting a doctor, the treatment intervals were eventually increased. After just three days, the wounds began to heal noticeably, with improved scarring. The pain also quickly subsided. „I’ve never experienced anything like this in all my years of suffering! I’m alive again!“ says Melanie happily today. She hasn’t had another relapse since then. Occasionally, the disease breaks out in small areas. Melanie then treats these immediately with the PlasmaDerm device and „nips the wounds in the bud“.
Since August 2021, Melanie has been able to enjoy her favourite pastimes again, such as swimming, jogging and reading. Her advice for sufferers:
„I wish every patient the strength to take care of their illness and the possibility of recovery themselves. It’s not always easy, especially during a serious phase of illness. But I know today that without my own commitment, I would still be sitting at home motionless. So never lose heart and think positively.“
If you also suffer from a (rare) disease, please get in touch with us. We can also help with chronic and other poorly healing wounds. You can find more information about the therapy package here!
1 Information on the disease at: https://flexikon.doccheck.com/de/Morbus_Hailey-Hailey
*Name was changed at the patient’s request
Source photo: Adobe Stock